Pomp and Colour as Tangaza Holds New Year Party

By Lilian Tabu

Nairobi---Tangaza College, a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, yesterday held a party for its students to mark 25 years of its existence.

Since independence most of the schools and colleges in Kenya, have been built and run by religious organizations, the Catholic Church being on the front line. Tangaza College is just one such institution which prides itself for shaping lives of thousands of students over the years.

Tangaza is a centre of Catholic theological and ministerial education in the context of the Church in Africa. Students and lecturers come from over 40 countries and approximately 100 Religious and Missionary Congregations. Graduates are now ministering in Africa and in various parts of the world.

The sunny afternoon was filled with a happy mood visible in Nuru hall which staged the ceremony. Despite the scorching sun which literally turned the place into an oven, the event was attended by about 200 people, including students and heads from the various faculties. The message was clear,’ a new beginning aimed at transforming lives through education and religion.’

Students from diverse cultures did put their best feet forward to mark the colourful event. Thobiso Masinga, a South African fresh man studying Theology expresses optimism that the institution will offer him a chance to become what he has always wanted to be in life - a priest.

Being a Catholic institution  training ministry in theology, education, social transformation, spirituality and religious formation, social communication, youth ministry and catechetic, Tangaza is governed in accordance with the norms of the Catholic Church.

To celebrate this day, dances and skits are performed by students resplendent in traditional regalia. A key highlight of the performances was a poem by the Zambian community, entitled ‘We are all to blame’ whose theme focuses on the perils of the HIV/AIDS pandemic  in Africa and the importance of abstinence.

Sebastian Mulutu, Secretary General Tangaza Student Association (TANSA), revealed plans by the institution to hold a much bigger event this year on March 25 to celebrate their 25 years of service.

“We will be having a major Jubilee celebration on 25 of March which is also a Tangaza day . Everything is organized and this is the starting point towards that ultimate celebration which will be well attended including top government officials” said Mulutu.

The curtains fell later in the afternoon and the message was driven home; to have a year of great success and growth.